Trigger sprayers

ABSTRACT

A trigger spray assembly ( 1 ) has generally cubic container ( 2 ) with a trigger sprayer ( 3 ) mounted thereon. The trigger sprayer ( 3 ) is mounted offset form the centre of the container ( 2 ) to allow stacking of mutually inverted containers ( 2 ). A top ( 4 ) of the container ( 2 ) in combination with an uppermost surface of the trigger sprayer ( 3 ) forms a support surface for reception and support of another container ( 2 ) stacked thereon. Container ( 2 ) is space efficient, stable, and allows stacking.

This is a nationalization of PCT/1E02/00102 filed Jul. 15, 2002 andpublished in English.

The present invention relates to a liquid spray dispenser of the typecomprising a container with a trigger sprayer mounted on the containerand communicating with an interior of the container for dispensingliquid from the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Such containers and trigger sprayers are used extensively for thedispensing of cleaning liquids. Typically, the containers provided arerelatively tall having a body which narrows at the top into an elongatedneck which forms a handgrip with the trigger sprayer being mounted atthe top of the neck. This is a very convenient and useful form ofdispenser. However, there are certain problems. One of the majorproblems is the actual construction of container themselves which aregenerally unstable due to their relatively tall shape and can easily beknocked over, particularly when the container is less than half full ofliquid. All these containers are manufactured from relativelylightweight plastics material, as cost of packaging is a majorconsideration. The trigger sprayer is generally relatively much heavierand thus the containers are unstable and they become particularlyunstable as they are emptied.

This instability, while inconvenient for the consumer, is a majorproblem in retail outlets where the display of the containers isrelatively difficult on shelving in that they tend to be knocked over bythe customers and further, they cannot be stacked one on top of theother for display purposes. Because of their general shape, the actualvolume conventional dispenser incorporating such trigger sprayers occupyis a space of the order of 2.5 times the actual usable volume of thecontent. Thus, they are relatively costly for the retailer to display. Afurther problem is that since they cannot be stacked one on top of theother, the packing of them for transport is equally costly and spaceconsuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a trigger spray containerassembly of the type comprising a container with a trigger sprayermounted on the container and communicating with an interior of thecontainer for dispensing liquid from the container, characterized inthat the container has a generally parallelepiped shape in which theratio of the width of a base of the container at its narrowest point tothe height of the container is in the range 2:1 to 1:3.

In one embodiment of the invention the ratio of the width of the base atits narrowest point to the height of the container is about 1:1.

In another embodiment the container has a substantially cubic shape.

In a further embodiment the ratio of the cross sectional area of thebase to the cross-sectional area of a side wall of the container is inthe range 2:1 to 1:2. Said ratio may conveniently be about 1:1.

In another embodiment the volume of the container relative to thespatial volume occupied by the container, said spatial volume beingdefined by an imaginary parallelepiped inside faces of which touchcorresponding external side faces of the container is greater than 60%.Preferably the relative volume is greater than about 75%. In some casesthe relative volume may be greater than 90%.

According to one embodiment of the invention there is provided a triggersprayer container assembly of the type comprising a container with atrigger sprayer mounted on the container and communicating with aninterior of the container for dispensing liquid from the containerwherein a top surface of the container in combination with an uppermostsurface of a trigger sprayer together form a support surface forreception and support of another container stacked thereon.

In another embodiment the uppermost surface of the trigger sprayer issubstantially flush with the top surface of the container.

In another embodiment the trigger sprayer is mounted at one side of thecontainer.

In a further embodiment the trigger sprayer is mounted within a steppedrecess in an upper portion of the container. The trigger sprayer may bemounted in an upright orientation within the recess or may be mounted ina generally horizontal orientation in the recess.

In another embodiment the trigger sprayer is mounted at a top of thecontainer offset from a centre of the top of the container sufficientlyto allow stacking of a pair of mutually inverted container assemblieswith said trigger sprayers resting side by side and the trigger sprayeron each container engaging the top of the other adjacent container.

In a further embodiment of the trigger sprayer is mounted at a top ofthe container and means for mounting the trigger sprayer on thecontainer is provided which supports a spray head of the trigger sprayerin a substantially horizontal position extending across and spaced-abovethe top of the container. Thus advantageously the container is veryspace efficient. It will also be stable even when there is relativelylittle liquid within the container.

In another embodiment the container has a lower portion and an upperportion extending upwardly off the lower portion and defining with thelower portion a recess within which the trigger spray is mounted with anuppermost portion of the trigger sprayer being substantially flush witha top up of the upper portion of the container.

In another embodiment the container is generally L-shaped incross-section, the upper portion extending upwardly at one side of thelower portion of the container.

In another embodiment the trigger sprayer is mounted on a top surface ofthe lower portion of the container and is spaced-apart from anupstanding side wall of the upper portion sufficiently to allowinsertion and through passage of the fingers or thumb of a person's handfor gripping the trigger sprayer.

In another embodiment the trigger sprayer is mounted on the top surfaceof the lower portion of the container closely adjacent to the upstandingside wall of the upper portion so that in use a user grips both thetrigger sprayer and the upper portion when using the trigger sprayer.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a triggersprayer for mounting externally of an aperture in a liquid container ofthe type comprising a spray head body mounting a spray nozzle, a liquidpump operated by a reciprocal trigger and a container tube connectingthe pump to the lowermost portion in use of the container and means formounting the trigger sprayer in the container characterized in that thespray head body is foldable about itself to and from a spraying positionproud of the container. By folding the trigger sprayer about itself, thewhole overall height of the dispenser formed by the container and thetrigger sprayer is reduced and thus less shelf space is required.Further, they may be stacked one on top of the other.

In one embodiment of the invention, hinge mean connects the spray headbody and the means for mounting the trigger on the container.

In one embodiment of the invention, the hinge means is provided by aconcertina shaped neck portion on the spray head body. This is aparticularly easy type of hinge to produce which will be relativelyefficient. A hinge may also be provided by using an elastic materialwhich may be stretched and bent.

Further, in another embodiment of the invention, the hinge comprises:

-   -   a cylindrical body having a diametrically arranged delivery        bore;    -   a rotatable sleeve surrounding in liquid-tight manner the        cylindrical body;    -   the sleeve mounting the spray head and being connected to the        pump by a conduit terminating in a hole in the sleeve forming a        conduit entrance;    -   a hole in the sleeve diametrically opposed to the conduit        entrance forming a container exit, the container tube having a        liquid-tight sleeve engaging mouth whereby, with the conduit        entrance container exit and delivery bore in line, the trigger        sprayer is in the spraying position and pivotal movement of the        trigger sprayer out of the position closes the delivery bore.

This is a particularly suitable arrangement as a relatively inexpensivehinge can be provided which will have the added advantage that whenpivoted out of position, it also acts as a closure and would be anadditional closure over and above that provided by the sprayer itself.

Further, the invention provides a liquid container for mounting atrigger sprayer of the type hereinbefore described in which thecontainer has a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls and a neck portionupstanding form the top wall for reception of the trigger sprayer and inwhich the top wall has a recess to receive the trigger sprayer whenfolded.

Further, the invention provides a liquid container for mounting atrigger sprayer of the type hereinbefore described in which thecontainer has a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls and a neckportion upstanding from top wall for reception of the trigger sprayerand in which the bottom wall has a recess to receive the triggersprayer, when folded, of another container when the other container isstacked on it. It will be appreciated therefore, that these two latterconstructions of container will allow stacking of containers in asupermarket which will be particularly efficient for the retailer. Theywill also allow the consumer to store the containers in a much morestable way.

In this latter embodiment of the invention, the recess may include clipmeans for releasably holding the trigger sprayer in the folded position.Such clip means could be, for example, provided by protuberancesintegral with the container and since such containers are generallymanufactured from a plastics material and are of relatively thin wall,the natural resilience of the plastics material will be sufficient tohold the trigger sprayer in position.

Further, the invention provides a liquid container for mounting atrigger sprayer of the type comprising a spray head body mounting aspray nozzle, a liquid pump operated by a reciprocal trigger, and acontainer tube connecting the pump to the lowermost portion in use ofthe container, and means for mounting the trigger sprayer on thecontainer characterized in that the container comprises a container bodyhaving a neck portion for reception of the means for mounting thetrigger sprayer and the neck portion is foldable about itself to movethe trigger sprayer from a spraying position proud of the container to afolded position against the container.

The great advantage of this type of container is that conventionaltrigger sprayers can be mounted in the container.

In one embodiment of the invention, the liquid container is so arrangedthat the hinge means are mounted between the neck portion and thecontainer body.

In another embodiment of the invention, the hinge means is incorporatedin the neck portion. When the hinge means is incorporated in the neckportion, the hinge means can be provided by concertina-like formationsin the neck portion or by a stretchable pliable elastic material.

In another embodiment of the invention, the hinge is provided by aweakened part in the neck portion. In this latter embodiment, the neckportion includes an outer sleeve slidable from a position over the hingemeans to a position clear of the hinge means whereby when covering thehinge, the trigger sprayer is locked in the spraying position.

In another embodiment the trigger sprayer is mounted in a an upstandingposition at one side of the container. To facilitate this mounting ledgemay be provided projecting outwardly at a bottom of the side of thecontainer.

In another embodiment the trigger sprayer is attached to the containerby a mounting connector which includes a filling pipe for the container,said filling pipe being moveable between a sidewardly extending fillingposition for filling the container on its side and an upwardly extendingin-use position for supporting the trigger sprayer alongside the side ofthe container when the container is upright.

In a further embodiment the filling pipe is cranked and the mountingconnector is adapted to swivel on the container for movement of thefilling pipe between the filling position and the in-use position.

In a further embodiment the filling pipe is connected to the containerby a flexible bellows piece. This is sufficiently flexible to allowmovement of the filling pipe between the filling and in-use position.

In another embodiment the container has a lower portion and an upperportion, the two portions defining a recess at the top of the containerwithin which the trigger spray is mounted.

In another embodiment the trigger spray may be mounted on top of thelower portion upstanding beside the upper portion. Alternatively, thetrigger spray may be mounted on a side of the upper portion projectingoutwardly over the top of the lower portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more clearly understood from the followingdescription of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only,with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trigger spray container assemblyaccording to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of pair of the trigger spray containerassemblies illustrated in FIG. 1 shown in a stacked position,

FIG. 3 is a side view of a trigger spray container assembly according toa second embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 4 is a side view of a trigger sprayer of the assembly shown in FIG.3,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another trigger spray container assemblyaccording to a third embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 6 is an underneath perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG.5,

FIG. 7 is a detail, partially exploded sectional elevational view ofportion of the assembly of FIG. 5,

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the portion in anotherposition of use,

FIG. 9 is an elevational view showing tow of the container assemblies ofFIG. 5 stacked one above the other,

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another trigger spray containerassembly,

FIG. 11 is an underneath perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG.10,

FIG. 12 is an elevational view showing three of the container assembliesof FIG. 10 shown stacked together one above the other,

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another trigger spray containerassembly;

FIG. 14 is an underneath perspective view of the assembly as shown inFIG. 13,

FIG. 15 is an elevational view showing tow of the assemblies of FIG. 13stacked one above the other.

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of a further trigger spray containerassembly,

FIG. 17 is an end elevational view of the trigger spray containerassembly of FIG. 16,

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the trigger spray container assembly of FIG.16,

FIG. 19 is an elevational view of another trigger spray containerassembly,

FIG. 20 is an end elevational view of the trigger spray containerassembly of FIG. 19,

FIG. 21 is a plan view of the trigger spray container assembly of FIG.19,

FIG. 22 is a sectional elevational view of a container portion of thetrigger spray container assembly of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is an elevational view of another trigger spray containerassembly,

FIG. 24 is an end elevational view of the trigger spray containerassembly of FIG. 23,

FIG. 25 is a plan view of the trigger spray container assembly of FIG.23,

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of a container of the trigger spraycontainer assembly of FIG. 23,

FIGS. 27-30 show elevational views of various different containers fortrigger spray container assemblies of the invention,

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a container for another trigger spraycontainer assembly,

FIG. 32 is another perspective view of the container of FIG. 31,

FIG. 33 is an elevational view of a trigger spray container assemblyincorporating the container of FIG. 31,

FIG. 34 is an end elevational view of the trigger spray containerassembly of FIG. 33,

FIG. 35 is a plan view of the container assembly of FIG. 33,

FIG. 36-39 are elevational views showing sequential steps in theconstruction, filling and assembly of the trigger spray containerassembly of FIG. 33,

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a container for another trigger spraycontainer assembly,

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 40,

FIG. 42 is an exploded elevational view of a trigger spray containerassembly incorporating the container of FIG. 40,

FIG. 43 is a sectional elevational view of the container of FIG. 40shown in one position of use,

FIG. 44 is a view similar to FIG. 43 showing the container in anotherposition of use,

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a container of another trigger spraycontainer assembly,

FIG. 46 is another perspective view of the container of FIG. 45,

FIG. 47 is a sectional elevational view of a trigger spray containerassembly incorporating the container of FIG. 45,

FIG. 48 is a sectional view of the container of FIG. 46 shown in oneposition of use,

FIG. 49 is a sectional elevational view of the container of FIG. 45shown in another position of use,

FIG. 50 is a side view of a trigger sprayer according to the invention,

FIG. 51 is an end view of another trigger sprayer,

FIG. 52 is a side view of a still further trigger sprayer,

FIG. 53 is an end view of another trigger sprayer,

FIG. 54 is an end view of the trigger sprayer of FIG. 53 in the foldedposition,

FIG. 55 is a detailed sectional view of portion of the trigger sprayersof FIGS. 52 to 54,

FIG. 56 is a view similar to FIG. 55 showing the hinge of FIG. 55 in adifferent position,

FIG. 57 is a side view of an alternative construction of trigger sprayeraccording to the invention,

FIG. 58 is a part sectional diagrammatic view of a container and triggersprayer according to the invention,

FIG. 59 is a view similar to FIG. 58 of another container and triggersprayer according to the invention,

FIG. 60 is a side view of an alternative construction of containeraccording to the invention,

FIG. 61 is an end view of the container of FIG. 60,

FIG. 62 is a die view of an alternative construction of containeraccording to the invention with a trigger sprayer attached to it,

FIG. 63 is a side view of the container showing the trigger sprayer ofFIG. 62 in the folded position,

FIG. 64 is a side view of an alternative construction of trigger sprayeraccording to the invention, and

FIG. 65 is a view of the trigger sprayer of FIG. 64 in an extendedposition about to be folded.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, and initially to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof thereis illustrated a trigger sprayer container assembly according to theinvention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The assembly 1has a generally cubic container 2 with a trigger sprayer 3 mountedthereon. It will be noted that the trigger sprayer 3 is mounted on a top4 of the container 2 offset from a centre of the container 2 to allowstacking of mutually inverted pairs of container assemblies 1 as shownin FIG. 2. To achieve the stacking, the uppermost container assembly 1is inverted and the trigger sprayers 3 are nested side by side as shown,each trigger sprayer 3 engaging the top of the other adjacent container2.

The trigger sprayer 3 has a body 5 with a nozzle 6 which is connected toan outlet of a pump (not shown) housed within the body 5 and operated bya trigger 7. A liquid pick-up tube (not shown) leads from an inlet ofthe pump to a bottom of the container 2 for delivery of liquid from thecontainer 2 through the pump for discharge through the nozzle 6 inresponse to manipulation of the trigger 7.

The container 2 has a generally cubic body with a substantially squaretop 4, bottom 8 and sides 9. This provides a container 2 ofsubstantially uniform cross-sectional area between the top 4 and thebottom 8 of the container 2. The container 2 thus is very stable, evenwhen only partially full of liquid. It is also very space efficient asthe volume within the container substantially corresponds to the spatialvolume occupied by the container 2.

It will be noted that the top 4 of the container 2 in combination withan uppermost surface 50 of the trigger sprayer 3 together form a supportsurface for reception and support of another container assembly 1stacked thereon.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 there is illustrated another triggerspray container assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral10. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the samereference numerals. In this case the trigger sprayer 3 is mounted in asubstantially horizontal orientation above the top 4 of the container 2.It will be noted that the body 5 of the trigger sprayer 3 has a crankedinner end 11 upon which a threaded collar 12 is mounted for engagementwith a complementary threaded neck 13 which projects upwardly from thetop 4 of the container 2 at one side of the top 4 of the container 2. Itwill be appreciated that this arrangement also provides a spaceefficient and stackable trigger spray container assembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 9 there is illustrated another trigger spraycontainer assembly according to the invention indicated generally by thereference numeral 30. Parts similar to those described previously areassigned the same reference numerals. In this case a container 32 isprovided which is generally L-shaped having a lower portion 31 and astepped upper portion 32 which extends upwardly from one side of thelower portion 31 and defines therewith a recess 33 within which thetrigger sprayer 3 is mounted.

The lower portion 31 of the container has a generally rectangular base35 with an upstanding front wall 36, rear wall 37 and end walls, 38, 39.A top 40 of the lower portion 31 extends inwardly from the front wall 36to the upper portion 32.

The upper portion 32 has a front wall 42 which extends upwardly at aninner end of the top wall 40 of the lower portion 31, a rear wall 43which forms an extension of the rear wall 37 of the lower portion 31 andend walls 44, 45 integrally formed with and forming an extension of theend walls 38, 39 of the lower portion 31. A top 47 of the upper portion32 is generally flat and may be provided with a filling opening coveredby a sealing cap 48.

It will be noted that the trigger sprayer 3 has a generally flat andsubstantially horizontal top surface 50 which is substantially flushwith the top 47 of the upper portion 32. Thus, between them, the top 47of the upper portion 32 and the top 50 of the trigger sprayer 3 form asupport surface to allow stacking of the trigger spray containerassemblies 30.

It will be noted that in this case the trigger sprayer 3 is closelymounted to the front face 42 of the upper portion 32 so that in use, auser grips both the trigger sprayer 3 and the upper portion 32, theusers fingers gripping the trigger sprayer 3 with the thumb extendingaround the upper portion 32, a rear end of which is shaped as shown at52 for reception of the thumb.

It will be noted that the container has an indented recess 54 in thebase 35 for complementary engagement with the top 47 of the upperportion 32 which nests within the recess 54 when tow of the containerassemblies 30 are stacked as shown in FIG. 9.

Also, one possible arrangement for the sealing cap 48 is shownparticularly in FIGS. 7 and 8. The sealing cap 48 has a flange 55 with acentral plug 56 extending downwardly therefrom for engagement within acomplementary neck 58 defining a filling opening 59 in the top 47 of thecontainer by means of a flexible annular neck ring 60. This allows theneck 58 to be pulled outwardly as shown in FIG. 7 for filling. Then,when the sealing cap 48 is engaged in the opening 59, with resilientfins 62 and the plug 56 sealingly engaging a bore of the opening 59,upon depressing the cap 48 the neck assembly can be pushed into thecontainer as shown in FIG. 8, such that it does not project above thetop 47 of the container. Thus, conveniently it will not interfere withstacking the containers.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 to 12 there is shown another trigger spraycontainer assembly according to the invention, indicated generally bythe reference numeral 70. Parts similar to those described previouslyare assigned the same reference numerals. In this case, the containerassembly 70 has a container 72 of essentially cubic shape with a flatbase 74 and a flat top 75 of relatively large surface area to providefor good stability and stackability. A trigger sprayer support portion77 projects outwardly at one side of the container 72 and the triggersprayer 3 is mounted thereon with the top 50 substantially flush withthe top 75 of the container 72 as previously described. FIG. 12 showsthree of the container assemblies 70 stacked one above the other, therelatively large surface area of the base 74 and top 75 providingexcellent stability.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 to 15 there is illustrated another triggerspray container assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral80. Parts similar to those described previously as assigned the samereference numerals. This has a container 81 whose construction islargely similar to that of the container shown in FIG. 5 however in thiscase the upper portion 32 is somewhat smaller as the trigger sprayer 3is mounted in a horizontal orientation (as shown in broken outline) fromthe front face 42 of the upper portion 32. Thus the trigger sprayer 3projects out over the top 40 of the lower portion 31, again the triggersprayer 3 being located within the recess 33. FIG. 15 shows the stackingof two of the dispensers 80. It will be noted that an uppermost sideedge 82 of the trigger sprayer 3 forms a stacking support with the top47 of the upper portion 32 for stacking the container assemblies 80.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 to 18 there is shown another trigger spraycontainer assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 110. Theassembly 110 includes a container 111 having a generally cubic shape. Atrigger sprayer 3 is mounted in an upstanding position at one side ofthe container 111. To facilitate this a mounting ledge 113 is providedprojecting outwardly at the bottom of one side 114 of the container 111.It will be noted that the top 50 of the trigger sprayer 3 is flush witha top 112 of the container 111. It will be also noted that the side wall114 is curbed to facilitate insertion of a persons thumb when grippingthe tripper sprayer 3 to hold the trigger spray container assembly 110in use.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 to 22 there is shown another trigger spraycontainer assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 150. Theassembly 150 has a box-shaped container 151 with a trigger sprayer 3mounted thereon. The container 151 has a lower portion 153 of generallyrectangular parallelepiped shape and an upper portion 154 which projectsupwardly from a top of the lower portion 153 at one side of the lowerportion 153 defining therewith a recess 155 at the top of the container151 within which the trigger sprayer 3 is housed. In this case thetrigger sprayer 3 is mounted on a side of the upper portion 154projecting outwardly over the top of the lower portion 153. It will benoted that the arrangement facilitates a stacking of trigger spraycontainer assemblies 150 and the container shape and construction isgenerally space efficient and very stable.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 to 26 there is shown another trigger spraycontainer assembly indicated generally by the reference number 160. Theassembly 160 comprises a container 161 on which a trigger sprayer 3 ismounted. In this case the container 161 has a main body 163 of generallycubic shape with a mounting step 164 projecting outwardly on one side ofthe container 161 for supporting the trigger sprayer 3 alongside thecontainer 161 with a top of the trigger sprayer 3 being flush with a topof the container 161.

Referring now to FIGS. 27 to 30, these show a container 180 for atrigger spray container assembly having a mounting collar 181 formounting a trigger sprayer at one side of the container 180, themounting collar 181 being shown in a number of configurations on thecontainer 180.

Referring now to FIGS. 31 to 39 there is shown another trigger spraycontainer assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 140.This is largely similar to the trigger spray container assemblydescribed previously with reference to FIGS. 16-18 and like parts areassigned the same reference numerals. The trigger sprayer 3 is attachedto the container 111 by a mounting connector 115 which includes acranked filling pipe 116 having an inner end 117 which swivels in asupport 118 on the ledge 113 and an outer end 119 adapted for connectionto the trigger sprayer 3. AS can be seen in FIG. 32 the filling pipe 116can be swiveled on the support 118 between a sidewardly extendingfilling position for filling the container 111 on its side (FIG. 37)through an intermediate position (FIG. 38) to an upwardly extendingin-use position (FIG. 39) for supporting the trigger sprayer 3 alongsidethe side 114 of the container 111. Thus, to facilitate filling of thecontainer 111, the container is placed on its side as shown in FIG. 37with the filling pipe 116 in an upwardly open position. After fillingthe trigger sprayer 3 is attached to the outer end 119 of the fillingpipe 116 which can be swiveled as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39 to the in-useposition supporting the trigger sprayer 3 alongside the container 111.

Referring now to FIGS. 40 and 44, there is shown another trigger spraycontainer assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 120.Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the samereference numerals. In this case a filling pipe 121 is connected to thecontainer 111 by a domed connector piece 122 of plastics material whichis sufficiently flexible to allow inversion of the domed piece as shownin FIG. 1 for movement of the filling pipe 121 between the sidewardlyextending filling position of FIG. 40 and the upwardly extending in-useposition for supporting a trigger sprayer 3 alongside the side of thecontainer as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42. After filling the container onits side, as shown in FIG. 44, the trigger sprayer 3 is attached to thefilling pipe 121 and the dome 122 is then pushed and snapped inwardlyinto the container as shown in FIG. 43 in which the filling pipe 121 isin an intermediate position and the fully inverted dome position, shownin FIGS. 41 and 42, supports the filling pipe 121 and trigger sprayer 3in an upright position alongside the container 111.

Referring to now to FIGS. 45 to 49, there is shown another trigger spraycontainer assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 130.Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the samereference numerals. In this case a filling pipe 131 is provided in theform of a bellows to allow swiveling of the filling pipe 131 between thesidewardly extending filling position (FIGS. 46 and 48) and the upwardlyextending in-use position (FIGS. 45 and 47) for supporting the triggersprayer 3 alongside the side of the container 111. Again, as shown inFIG. 48, the container 111 can be mounted on its side with the fillingpipe 131 upwardly open for convenience of filling. Thereafter thetrigger sprayer 3 can be attached and the filling pipe swiveled into thein-use position shown in FIGS. 45 and 47.

Referring to FIG. 50, there is provided a trigger sprayer, indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 201 for mounting externally of anaperture in a liquid container not shown. Generally, such a liquidcontainer will have a threaded neck portion. The trigger sprayer 201comprises a spray head body 202 mounting a spray nozzle 203 and a liquidpump 204 operated by a reciprocating trigger 205. Means for mounting thespray head body 202 on the threaded neck of a container (not shown) isprovided by a cap 206. Further, the spray head body 202 carries acontainer tube 207 connecting the pump 204 to the lowermost portion, inuse, of the container. The spray head body 202 has a hinge 208 aboutwhich it can be folded in the direction of the arrow A.

Referring to FIG. 51, there is shown an alternative construction oftrigger sprayer, indicated generally by the reference numeral 210, inwhich parts similar to those described with reference to the previousdrawing, are identified by the same reference numerals. In thisembodiment, there is a hinge 211 mounted laterally of the spray headbody 202.

Referring now to FIG. 52, there is illustrated a further construction oftrigger sprayer, indicated generally by the reference numeral 220, andagain parts similar to those described with reference to the previousdrawings, are identified by the same reference numerals. In thisembodiment, there is provided a hinge, indicated generally by thereference numeral 225.

FIGS. 53 and 54 show an alternative construction of trigger sprayer,indicated generally by the reference numeral 223, in which parts similarto those described with reference to FIG. 52, are identified by the samereference numerals. Essentially, they are identical except that thehinge 225 is mounted laterally and it can be seen from FIG. 54 how itpivots.

Referring now to FIGS. 55 and 56, the hinge 225 is illustrated in moredetail. In this embodiment, the hinge comprises a cylindrical body 226having a diametrically arranged delivery bore 227 surrounded by arotatable sleeve 228 mounting the spray head body 202 and beingconnected to the pump 204 by a conduit 229 terminating in a hole 230 inthe sleeve 228 forming a conduit entrance. The sleeve 228 furthercarries another hole 231 diametrically opposite to the hole 230 forminga container exit. Mounted against the sleeve 228 by a bearing seal 232is the container tube 207. As can be seen from FIG. 55, when the holes230, 231 and the bore 227 coincide, there is a straight throughconnection for use of the trigger sprayer, while when the triggersprayer is pivoted to the folded position, the container is sealed.

Referring to FIG. 57, there is illustrated an alternative constructionof trigger sprayer, indicated generally by the reference numeral 240, inwhich parts similar to those described with reference to the previousdrawings, are identified by the same reference numerals. In thisembodiment, there is provided a hinge, indicated generally by thereference numeral 241, formed from concertina-like formations 242 in thespray head body 202. In this embodiment, there is illustrated a squatcontainer 245 having a recess at 246 for reception of the spray headbody 202 when the trigger sprayer 240 is folded.

Referring now to FIG. 58, there is illustrated the trigger sprayer ofFIG. 50 mounted on a container 250 having a recess 251 in its top wall252 for reception of the trigger sprayer 201.

FIG. 59 illustrates a still further construction of container, indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 255, having a recess 256 in itsbottom wall whereby, on the trigger sprayer 201 being pivoted downwardsas shown by the interrupted lines, the trigger sprayer 201 will bestored within a container 255 mounted on top of it.

Referring to FIGS. 60 and 61, there is illustrated a container,indicated generally by the reference numeral 260, for mounting aconventional trigger sprayer, indicated generally by the referencenumeral 261, in which parts similar to those described with reference tothe previous drawings, are identified by the same reference numerals. Inthis embodiment, the container 260 has a neck 262 having concertina-likefolds 263 which permit it to fold in either the direction of the arrowsA of FIG. 60 or in the direction of the arrows B of FIG. 61.

Referring now to FIGS. 62 and 63, there is provided again theconventional trigger sprayer 261 mounted on a container 265 having arecess 266 in its top wall and a neck portion 267 incorporating aweakened portion 268 and a sleeve 269 slidable into the position asillustrated in FIG. 62 where it covers the weakened portion 268 to allowthe trigger sprayer 261 to operate in a conventional manner while, whenmoved in the direction of the arrow B to the position illustrated inFIG. 63, the weakened portion 268 is exposed and the trigger sprayer 201can be folded into the recess 256.

Referring to FIGS. 64 and 65, there is illustrated a still furtherconstruction of trigger sprayer, indicated generally by the referencenumeral 270, in which parts similar to those described with reference tothe previous drawings, are identified by the same reference numerals. Inthis embodiment, the spray head body 202 mounts a rigid sleeve 271. Thespray head body 202 is weakened at 272. Thus, it can be seen when thesleeve 271 is engaged on the cap 206, the weakened portion 272 is foldedbetween the sleeve 271 and the cap 206 and thus the trigger sprayer 270can be used in conventional manner. However, when the sleeve 271 isretracted upwards in the direction of the arrow C, the weakened portion272 is now exposed and the trigger sprayer 270 can be folded in thedirection of the arrow A.

It will be appreciated that all of the various container assembliesshown advantageously are very stable in use and can be stacked forstorage, on display shelving for example, and for transport and also arevery space efficient, in that the space occupied by the sprayers has avery high percentage usable volume of contents.

It will also be noted that the improved stability of the containers ofthe invention facilitates easier and quicker filling on a productionline. Further, in view of the more compact construction of the containerof the invention, less material is used to provide a container of agiven volume. This provides savings in the manufacture of containers andreduces the environmental problem of disposing or recycling of usedcontainers.

The trigger sprayer may be attached to the container in any suitablefashion, either by a removable attachment or possibly by a permanentattachment such as by welding or gluing for example.

Where a separate filling hole is provided in the container this providesthe possibility of attaching the trigger sprayer to the container priorto filling the container which may provide greater convenience and costsavings in respect of filling the containers.

In the specification the terms “comprise, comprises, and comprised andcomprising” or any variation thereof and the terms “include, includes,included and including” or any variation thereof are considered to betotally interchangeable and they should all be afforded the widestpossible interpretation.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore describedbut may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A trigger sprayer container assembly comprising: a container, atrigger sprayer mounted on the container and communicating with aninterior of the container for dispensing liquid from the container, thecontainer having a generally parallelepiped shape in which a ratio of awidth of a base of the container at a narrowest point to a height of thecontainer is in a range 2:1 to 1:3 , the trigger sprayer being mountedon the container such that a top surface of the container in combinationwith an uppermost surface of the trigger sprayer together form a supportsurface for reception and support of another similar trigger sprayercontainer assembly stacked thereon.
 2. The trigger sprayer containerassembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container has a substantiallycubic shape.
 3. The trigger sprayer container assembly as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the base to thecross-sectional area of a side wall of the container is in the range2:1to 1:2.
 4. The trigger sprayer container assembly as claimed in claim3 wherein the ratio is about 1:1.
 5. The trigger sprayer containerassembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the volume of the containerrelative to the spatial volume occupied by the container, said spatialvolume being defined by an imaginary parallelepiped inside faces ofwhich touch corresponding external side faces of the container isgreater than 60%.
 6. The trigger sprayer container assembly as claimedin claim 5 wherein the relative volume is greater than 75%.
 7. Thetrigger sprayer container assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein therelative volume is greater than 90%.
 8. The trigger sprayer containerassembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the trigger sprayer is mounted ata top of the container offset from a center of the top of the containersufficiently to allow stacking of a pair of mutually inverted triggersprayer assemblies with said trigger sprayers resting side by side andthe trigger sprayer on each container engaging the top of the otheradjacent container.
 9. A The trigger sprayer container assembly asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the trigger sprayer is mounted at a top ofthe container and means for mounting the trigger sprayer on thecontainer is provided which supports a spray head of the trigger sprayerin a substantially horizontal position extending across and spaced-abovethe top of the container.
 10. The trigger sprayer container assembly asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the container has a lower portion and anupper portion extending upwardly of the lower portion and defining withthe lower portion a recess within which the trigger sprayer is mountedwith an uppermost portion of the trigger sprayer being substantiallyflush with a top of the upper portion of the container.
 11. The triggersprayer container assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the containeris generally L-shaped in cross-section, the upper portion extendingupwardly at one side of the lower portion of the container.
 12. Thetrigger sprayer container assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein thetrigger sprayer is mounted on a top surface of the lower portion of thecontainer and is spaced-apart from an upstanding side wall of the upperportion sufficiently to allow insertion and through passage of thefingers or thumb of a person's hand for gripping the trigger sprayer.13. The trigger sprayer container assembly as claimed in claim 12wherein the ends of the upper portion are flared or curved to provideeasy access to the trigger sprayer.
 14. The trigger sprayer containerassembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the trigger sprayer is mountedon the top surface of the lower portion of the container closelyadjacent to the upstanding side wall of the upper portion so that in usea user grips both the trigger sprayer and the upper portion when usingthe trigger sprayer.
 15. The trigger sprayer container assembly asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the trigger sprayer is mounted on thecontainer in a manner which allows the trigger sprayer to be swivelledon the container while at the same time allowing it to be locked in anydesired position of use.
 16. The trigger sprayer container assembly asclaimed in claim 10 wherein a filling opening is provided in the top ofthe upper portion which is closed by a sealing cap.
 17. The triggersprayer container assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the triggersprayer is pivotally mounted on a side wall of the container for pivotalmovement between a flattened stored position against the side wall andan outwardly extending in-use position projecting outwardly of the sidewall.
 18. The trigger sprayer container assembly as claimed in claim 17wherein the trigger sprayer is attached by a pivoting neck to the sidewall of the container so that it will pivot outwardly through about 90°between the stored position and an extended in-use position.
 19. Atrigger sprayer container assembly comprising a container with a triggersprayer mounted on the container and communicating with an interior ofthe container for dispensing liquid from the container, the triggersprayer being mounted on the container such that a top surface of thecontainer in combination with an uppermost surface of the triggersprayer together form a support surface for reception and support ofanother similar trigger sprayer container assembly stacked thereon. 20.The trigger sprayer container assembly as claimed in claim 19 whereinthe uppermost surface of the trigger sprayer is substantially flush withthe top surface of the container.
 21. The trigger sprayer containerassembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein the trigger sprayer is mountedat one side of the container.
 22. the trigger sprayer container assemblyas claimed in claim 19 wherein the trigger sprayer is mounted within astepped recess in an upper portion of the container.
 23. The triggersprayer container assembly as claimed in claim 22 wherein the triggersprayer is mounted in an upright orientation within the recess.
 24. Thetrigger sprayer container assembly as claimed in claim 22 wherein thetrigger sprayer is mounted in a generally horizontal orientation withinthe recess.
 25. A trigger sprayer container assembly comprising acontainer with a trigger sprayer mounted on the container andcommunicating with an interior of the container for dispensing liquidfrom the container, the trigger sprayer being mounted at a top of thecontainer offset from a center of the top of the container sufficientlyto allow stacking of a pair of mutually inverted trigger sprayerassemblies with said trigger sprayers resting side by side and thetrigger sprayer on each container engaging the top of the other adjacentcontainer.
 26. The trigger sprayer container assembly as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the container has a lower portion and an upper portion,the two portions defining a recess at the top of the container withinwhich the trigger spray is mounted.
 27. The trigger sprayer containerassembly as claimed in claim 26 wherein the trigger spray is mounted ontop of the lower portion upstanding beside the upper portion.
 28. Thetrigger sprayer container assembly as claimed in claim 26 wherein thetrigger spray is mounted on a side of the upper portion projectingoutwardly over the top of the lower portion.